Bernard Allen
Question:18 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the current political situation in Iraq. [30438/03]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
Dan Boyle
Question:37 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the progress towards restoring democracy to the people of Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30501/03]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:132 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position in regard to the present situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30664/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 37 and 132 together.
I welcome the announcement by the Governing Council on 15 November of a timetable for the transfer of sovereignty to a transitional Iraqi government in June 2004, and for a constitutional process which will lead to the establishment of a democratically elected and internationally recognised Iraqi government by the end of 2005.
I have consistently argued that an accelerated transfer of authority from the occupying powers to the Iraqis is necessary, while also recognising that this transfer has to be properly prepared. Although progress is being made in this regard, this positive development is offset by the growing violence and the deep sense of concern which this is generating. The support of the Iraqi people and of neighbouring countries is crucial to the successful transfer of sovereignty.
I have also consistently spoken in favour of a deeper UN involvement, as I believe that a UN role in the oversight of the transfer of sovereignty would give the process greater international legitimacy. It is true that the United Nations already has a role in Iraq, assigned to it by Security Council Resolution 1511. This role includes the provision of humanitarian relief, promoting economic reconstruction and sustainable development and advancing efforts to restore and establish national and local institutions for representative government. It extends to lending the organisation's unique assistance to the Iraqi people in the process of political transition. It involves assistance in furtherance of the programme of transition provided by the governing council. I remain convinced, however, that a deeper involvement and more central role for the United Nations under the transfer of sovereignty plan, for example, in supervising the formation of the transitional assembly, would also be welcomed.
In the past week or so, at the initiative of United Nations Secretary General Annan, an advisory group on Iraq has been established. This group will endeavour to find a common basis for the reconstruction of Iraq within the framework set out already by the Security Council. The group comprises Iraq's neighbours, Egypt, the permanent five members of the Security Council and five of the elected members of the Security Council.
Yesterday, Secretary General Annan presented to the Security Council a report that analyses the overall situation in Iraq and addresses the question of the future UN presence and activities in the country. It is an extensive report dealing with matters of some complexity. The Security Council will now take the necessary time to weigh its response.
The Secretary General's analysis in general terms would correspond closely with that of the Government. He highlights a number of important points. First, the international community needs to act on the recognition that the mounting insecurity problem cannot be solved through military means alone. A political solution is required. Second, the articulation of an Iraqi national agenda that is seen to be truly representative of all segments of Iraqi society – and one that reflects the independence and territorial integrity of Iraq – requires national reconciliation. Third, intensified efforts by coalition forces to demonstrate that they are adhering strictly to international humanitarian law and human rights instruments – even in the face of deliberate and provocative terrorist attacks, sometimes against vulnerable and defenceless civilians – would make it much more difficult for the insurgents to rally support for their cause. Fourth, it is essential that all those in the international community who are in a position to support the implementation of the Iraqi national agenda should do so, and should be given a chance to do so.
As for United Nations activities concerning Iraq, Secretary General Annan makes it clear that while events obliged the organisation to relocate most of its essential staff outside the country, the UN will not disengage from Iraq and will indeed maintain its massive relief and assistance effort. He sets out UN plans to establish a strengthened UN assistance mission for Iraq with core personnel based for the time being in Nicosia. He has announced the appointment of a highly experienced and well regarded international official, Mr. Ross Mountain, as acting special representative. The mission will have both a humanitarian and political function. I welcome this commitment as I do the Secretary General's determination personally to continue his political engagement with heads of state and governments in the region and around the world to forge an international consensus on the way forward.
I commend the efforts of Secretary General Annan to maximise within the political and physical constraints obtaining, the role and activities of the United Nations in regard to Iraq. The Government, as it prepares to take on the Presidency of the European Union, will continue to support all efforts aimed at reaching an international consensus on the way forward.